PUBLISHER: Prismane Consulting | PRODUCT CODE: 1761694
PUBLISHER: Prismane Consulting | PRODUCT CODE: 1761694
Butylenes, a group of four-carbon hydrocarbons containing a double bond, serve as an intermediates in the chemical and energy industries globally, playing a critical role in the production of plastics, fuel and other industrial chemicals.. The primary isomers-1-butene, isobutylene, cis-2-butene, and trans-2-butene-are produced through catalytic and steam cracking processes and serve as essential building blocks in fuel production, plastics manufacturing, and synthetic rubber.
In 2024, fuel production accounted for over 80% of global butylenes demand, underlining their crucial role in improving fuel performance. Butylenes are especially important in producing MTBE, a fuel additive used to boost octane levels in gasoline. Additionally, they are involved in the alkylation process, which helps refine cleaner-burning, high-octane gasoline. As the need for efficient, low-emission fuels grows globally, the demand for butylenes is expected to remain robust.
Beyond fuels, butylenes have significant industrial value. 1-butene is used as a comonomer in the production of polypropylene, a versatile polymer widely used in packaging, automotive parts, textiles, and consumer goods. Isobutylene is vital in producing butyl rubber, used in tire manufacturing and other automotive applications, while butadiene derived from butylenes is a precursor to various synthetic materials including nylon and plastics. This positions butylenes as essential feedstocks in both the energy and manufacturing sectors.
However, the market also faces challenges. Environmental and safety concerns are rising due to butylenes' flammability and contributions to air pollution. Regulations aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving chemical safety may affect production practices and increase compliance costs. Additionally, the global push for sustainable materials could gradually shift demand toward greener alternatives and processes.
Asia Pacific dominates the global butylenes market, accounting for more than 60% of total demand, driven largely by industrial growth in China, which is the single largest consumer worldwide. North America and Western Europe follow with 25% and 15% market shares, respectively, reflecting mature refining and petrochemical sectors in those regions.
The competitive landscape includes key global suppliers such as ExxonMobil, Shell Chemical, Chevron Phillips Chemical, China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC), Petrochemical Corporation of Singapore, and BP Chemicals.
In June 2023, ExxonMobil and Axens announced a strategic partnership to commercialize ExxonMobil's MTBE Decomposition Technology for the production of high-purity isobutylene, underscoring continued innovation and collaboration in the petrochemical sector.
in India, BPCL's expansion of its Bina refinery into a full petrochemical complex signal growing investment in butylene-related infrastructure.
Note: Demand Analysis has been provided for all major Regions / Countries as mentioned below. The demand (consumption) split by types and applications have been provided for each of the countries / regions in Volume (Kilo tons) and Value (USD Million).
Note: CAGR will be calculated for all types and applications to arrive at the regional / global demand growth for the forecast period (2025 - 2034)
Note: This section includes company information, company financials, manufacturing bases and operating regions. Company financials have been mentioned only for those companies where financials were available in SEC Filings, annual reports, or company websites. All the reported financials in this report are in U.S. Dollars. Financials reported in other currencies have been converted using average currency conversion rates. Company profiles may include manufacturers, suppliers, and distributors.